Deep Anterior Cervical Nodes (Left)

Description

The deep anterior cervical lymph nodes are responsible for draining the lymph fluid in the deep structures of the neck. They work in concert with the superficial anterior cervical lymph nodes; however, the deep nodes are more concentrated on draining the deep tissues of the anterior neck, specifically the larynx and thyroid gland.

This group of nodes is made up of four groups of nodes, named in correspondence with their anatomical relation with the larynx, thyroid gland, and trachea. Three of these groups, the prelaryngeal, thyroid, and pretracheal nodes, drain the local tissues uniquely, however, in some instances, the paratracheal cervical nodes also act as secondary filtration for lymph collected in other nodes. All nodes drain into the internal jugular nodes, which belong to the deep lateral cervical nodes. From here, lymph fluid drains into the supraclavicular nodes, the jugular trunk, and finally the thoracic duct (left) or the right lymphatic duct.